Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
120. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on the development of an Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training at the Curragh; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71623/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed that, as part of the implementation of the White Paper on Defence, a formal feasibility study was carried out to establish the viability, or otherwise, of developing an Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training. The study was concluded in February 2021. It found that the concept of an Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training could be viable and made recommendations on potential future development.
The Commission on the Defence Forces Report recommended the development of a National Defence Academy and an Apprentice School to support a future tech-enabled force. That recommendation is currently the subject of Further Evaluation. This indicates that further evaluation with key stakeholders is required in terms of the resource, policy, financial and legislative implications before a decision on implementation can be considered. The feasibility study previously carried out will inform this process with regard to the proposed Institute. I am informed that this further evaluation is progressing and is expected to be completed in the near future.
